Advice on my first ever loop.

Rossdh · 21 Apr 2012 at 23:37

Hi folks. I have decided it's time to do my first proper watercooling set up. At this time all I want the loop to do is cool the CPU and look good!

I have been looking at the EK-KIT H3O 360 HFX High Performance Watercooling Kit and the EK Single Bay Reservoir - Acetal as I would like a bay reservoir.

I am guessing that the HFX kit is totally overkill for just the CPU but I may watercool the GPUs later on.

Any thoughts on this and any hints and tips on what and what not to do?

Cheers,
Ross

malfunkshun · 22 Apr 2012 at 10:51

I won one of those 360 HFX kits, its very nice, but change the hose that comes with it. especially if your case is of average size or less.

Rossdh · 22 Apr 2012 at 11:01

Whats wrong with the hose? I'll be using it in a HAF X.

malfunkshun · 22 Apr 2012 at 11:05

I find it kinks very easily, very easily, but perhaps I am asking too much of it.
You know, in that set up it will be fine, just watch the bends

The XTX radiator in that kit reviews well, I havent tried mine yet though and make sure you use the anti-vibration kit thats included for the pump.

Rossdh · 22 Apr 2012 at 11:16

Cheers man. Do you think it would be pretty easy for me to put together? I've built a couple of systems now but this will be my very first attempt at watercooling.

malfunkshun · 22 Apr 2012 at 11:21

yeah, and amusingly, it comes with an instruction manual in addition to the instructions for the individual components.
Just plan where you are going to mount everything in advance and it should be smooth sailing. Keep in mind that overall the rad is 405mm long and 70mm thick without fittings.

Rossdh · 22 Apr 2012 at 11:34

Again, thanks. Looking forward to it now!!!

Rossdh · 23 Apr 2012 at 13:11

Well just got it all ordered. I ended up going for the EK-KIT H3O 360 HFX High Performance Watercooling Kit and a Cosmos II just to spice things up. However the radiator with the HFX kit is too big so I got the standard 360 ~50mm rad too and will use that instead. I should be able to sell the HFX one fairly easily

Really looking forward to this now!